Fueling & Injection - fuek pump pressure

Think I already know the answer but want second opinions. 97 Trans Am. With fuel pressure gauge attached and ignition turned to on I get zero pressure. With car running at idle I only get 22. Is the fuel pump dying? You can hear it when the ignition switch is on but very hard to start. Or could there be another problem? thanks David

Verify the gauge first... you would not believe how many people replace fuel components only to find out the gauge is junk.

You should get pressure when you cycle the key, but it may not be high.
If you have an aftermarket pump, you can have a priming issue due to the pump design or the install.

You should have approx 43 with the vac line disconnected from the regulator & the car running. At idle with the vac line connected it will read approx 6-8# lower.

At 22# your car should run poorly.

Thanks. I an not sure if the pump has ever been replaced. But the car will run ok for a while then it will want to quit.